It's hard for me to choose my favorite tv shows because I love a lot of them for different reasons. Until recently, if someone asked me what my favorite was they would get a list that would be at least three shows long, and ultimately after having to listen to me talk forever, would probably regret asking the question at all. However, last year I decided to check out a show that raised the bar on my expectations of what television was capable of.
Since then, I can say unequivocally that my absolute favorite show is "Friday Night Lights". Anyone that has read my blog won't be surprised by that and in fact, many of you are probably sick of hearing about it (there is an easy solution to that problem, watch it already so I can stop talking about it!). Rest assured this isn't a post about "Friday Night Lights" but since I put it in a class of it's own, the fact that I am about the review a show that I can say is almost just as good as "Friday Night Lights" really speaks volumes.
If you aren't watching "Parenthood", you are absolutely missing out. Since the show was developed by Jason Katims, the head writer of "Friday Night Lights", it's no surprise that "Parenthood" has the potential to change the way you look at your family, your relationships and the way that you live your life.
Centering on the Braverman family which is comprised of Zeke played by Craig T. Nelson and Camille played by Bonnie Bedelia, as well as their four adult children, this show will make you laugh but more often it will be so relatable, it will make you cry.
Oldest child Adam and his wife Kristina have three children, teenage daughter Haddie, son Max and new baby Nora. Their son Max, who is now in fifth grade is played by Max Burkholder. Max has Asperger's syndrome and it is commendable the attention "Parenthood" is bringing to the struggles that parents of children on the autism spectrum face, as well as how it impacts the child and other family members. Burkholder's performance is nothing short of Emmy worthy.
Zeke and Camille's oldest daughter is played by one of my favorites, Lauren Graham. I loved her as Lorelai Gilmore and I couldn't have been happier when she was cast as Sarah Braverman. Graham's portrayal of a single mother left to raise two teenagers when her alcoholic musician ex decides that responsibility just isn't his thing is flawless.
Crosby, Sarah and Adam's younger brother played by Dax Sheppard, is the self proclaimed screw up of the family and finds out in the pilot episode that he has a son, Jabbar, that he was previously unaware of. Crosby has a realization that he needs to start taking some responsibility in his life and watching his relationship with his son develop will make you fall in love with him even when he makes some questionable choices.
Youngest Braverman Julia, is a working mom struggling with trying to balance her work as a lawyer with motherhood while her husband stays at home with their daughter Sydney. Julia's jealousy that her husband gets to stay home coupled with his frustration at needing to, creates some problems in their marriage and their portrayals of a young couple struggling with very normal, very real problems are spot on.
This show is perfectly cast, perfectly written and is the most realistic portrayal of a family that I have seen on television in a long time. I promise that if you just watch one episode of this show, you will love it. Sometimes, television has the ability to make you feel and to reflect on your life, relationship and your family. Sometimes, television even has the possibility to change your life. "Parenthood" is that kind of television.
It's currently in it's third season and hopefully it will be around for a long time. If you already watch it, I'm preaching to the choir, because you already know how amazing it is. If you haven't seen it yet, stop reading this and make it happen. Season one is on sale on Amazon.com starting at $17.00 and season one is streaming on Netflix. Stop watching crappy reality tv and start watching something that has the potential to make you a better parent, child, husband, wife, brother, sister and ultimately maybe even a better person.
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